J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) is a type of work authorization for J-1 students and it is issued by the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS). The purpose of Academic Training is to provide J-1 exchange students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, as well as continue their cultural exchange.

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Academic Training, students must have been enrolled full-time at UCSB for at least one quarter, have a valid passport, DS-2019, and I-94. If you have received a recommendation for a waiver of the two year home residence requirement, you are NOT eligible for an extension of your DS-2019 to participate in post-completion Academic Training.

Length of Academic Training

Student Type

Amount of Academic Training

Notes

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree-Seeking Student

Eligible for up to 18 months of AT

Total training period (including both pre-completion and post-completion) must not exceed 18 months.

Hours per week: Work must exceed 20 hours per week. Employment that begins within 30 days of the program end date/final class.

Application Timeline

You must receive authorization from OISS before you begin working. Standard processing time is 10 business days. For pre-completion AT, submit application at least two weeks before your employment start date. For post-completion AT, submit application at least two weeks before the program end date that is listed in Section 3 of the DS-2019. Once the program end date has passed, OISS can no longer extend your DS-2019 or issue an Academic Training authorization.

To Apply, Follow These Steps

Review this information sheet.

Obtain a job offer. Be sure the letter includes all the information listed below.

Copy of other health insurance policy including coverage details and start and end date with waiver provided by Garnett Powers & Associates

Proof of Financial Support (Post-Completion AT only, if applicable)

Total funds must exceed $2800 USD per month. If pursuing unpaid employment, or the salary does not exceed $2800 USD per month, students must provide supplemental financial documentation. This could be in the form of a current bank statement or bank letter, no older than 3 months.

DO NOT begin employment until receiving the DS-2019 with Academic Training authorization and authorization letter written by OISS. These documents are proof of legal work authorization in the U.S. and will need to be shown to the employer.

Reporting Requirements

While on AT, participants need to report any change in employment to OISS immediately. Change in name or address also need to be updated in GOLD within 10 days of the change. Academic Training Final Evaluation form must be completed and submitted to OISS within 30 days of the end of AT authorization.

For post-completion AT, once the DS-2019 expires, students have a 30 day grace period to depart the US.

Health Insurance (Post-Completion AT only)

Option 1: Students may purchase health insurance from Garnett Powers & Associates and submit proof of coverage in their AT application. Coverage details and dates of coverage must be specified.

Option 2: Students may purchase insurance from a different provider, but must have the plan vetted through Garnett Powers & Associates to make sure it meets the Department of State’s insurance requirements. To do so, follow these steps:

You will receive a “Waiver Application” email with a confirmation of satisfactory coverage (Waiver Confirmation) – submit this document in your AT Application

You will notice terminology like, “visiting scholar,” and “waive the UC Santa Barbara Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan.” This waiver process is primarily used for visiting scholars. However, your use of this service as a student applying for post-completion AT is permitted.

Failure to maintain the minimum required amount of health insurance coverage will result in the termination of your SEVIS record. If your record is terminated, you and your J-2 dependents must return to your home country immediately. Terminated SEVIS records are ineligible for reinstatement, extension of stay, change of category, or any other Exchange Visitor benefits.